Deodorant container and perfumed stable gel assembly and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a perfumed stable gel and to a deodorant container which retains a deodorant in the form of that perfumed stable gel, and which is adapted for use with various deodorant dispensers. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacture for the perfumed stable gel and the deodorant container in a unitary form. Specifically, the invention relates to a disposable deodorant container which retains a perfumed stable gel comprised of a unique combination of chemical components. The stable gel can be maintained at temperatures of up to 140° F. and has a perfume content of up to 75%.

DESCRIPTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a perfumed stable gel and to adeodorant container which retains a deodorant in the form of thatperfumed stable gel, and which is adapted for use with various deodorantdispensers. The present invention also relates to a method ofmanufacture for the perfumed stable gel and the deodorant container in aunitary form. Specifically, the invention relates to a disposabledeodorant container which retains a perfumed stable gel comprised of aunique combination of chemical components. The stable gel can bemaintained at temperatures of up to 140° F. and preferably has a perfumecontent of up to 75%.

2. Background Prior Art

Deodorant containers holding an evaporative perfumed gel type deodorantfor freshening the air of restrooms of commercial establishments arewell known in the field of deodorizing and air freshening agents. Thecontrolled dispensing of fragrance and the capacity to create an odorimpression in a substantially closed space are concerns which arecontinually addressed in the field of deodorizing and air fresheningagents. The importance of a controlled release or evaporation rate isimportant in determining the amount of fragrance to be used in the airfreshening agent and in determining the functional life of the unititself.

Solid compositions in which a fragrance or perfume is added to gellingagents offer a desirable and relatively low cost commercial deliverymethod for continuous action fragrance release devices. A method andapparatus for dispensing volatile components of an air treating gel isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,858 to Santini. In addition, acomposite gel-foam air freshener is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,222to Kellett et al.

Prior art patents relating to perfumed gel compositions include U.S.Pat. No. 4,755,377 to Steer for a foamed air freshener composition, U.S.Pat. No. 4,137,196 to Sakuri et al. for a gelatinuousfragrance-imparting composition containing stabilized perfume, and U.S.Pat. No. 4,067,824 to Teng et al. for a gelled perfume formulation.

Disadvantages of known gel-based air fresheners include rapidevaporation rates of the gel compositions, temperature instability, andinefficiency of perfume release wherein the perfume components are notreleased into the air but become entrapped in the gel residue.Disadvantages such as lack of temperature and heat stability can resultin product evaporation, deterioration of product appearance, and loss ofdeodorizing effectiveness. Therefore, a need exists for a perfumed geldeodorizer which is long-lasting, stable at high temperatures, and ableto sustain an effective release rate of the perfumed stable gel in bothnormal and adverse conditions.

In addition, the containers used to retain and dispense the perfumed gelcompositions are known in the prior art. An open topped container havinga perforated decorative cover and used for the dispensation of volatilecomponents of a gel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,858 to Santini.Other containers typically used to retain deodorizing agents includealuminum cups having an aluminum lid with a pull-back tab and open topcontainers covered by a layer of porous material.

The present invention is an improvement over the prior art in that noneof the prior art inventions disclose a deodorant dispenser containing achemical composition in the form of a perfumed stable gel, wherein theperfumed stable gel can be maintained at high temperatures and has aperfume content of up to 75%. In addition, none of the prior artinventions disclose a container having a base with a top surface and abottom surface and having intersecting diametrical grooves on the bottomsurface and four equi-angularly spaced support ribs or fins on the topsurface which extend radially inwardly from the peripheral wall.

Previously, it was difficult to manufacture a product that could bemaintained as a stable gel when exposed to temperatures of up to 140° F.when that product also included a perfume content of up to 75%.Obtaining a stable gel with up to a 75% perfume content has also beendifficult to develop from a solubility perspective, as most other gelswill liquefy, even at room temperatures, at levels of 50% perfumecontent. Up until now, there was no known perfumed stable gel with amelting point above 130° F. and having a perfume content of up to 75%.Thus, the need persisted for an easily manufactured, durable deodorantcontainer holding a long-lasting and effective perfumed stable gelhaving a perfume content of up to 75% and maintaining its stability athigh temperatures without undue evaporation.

In addition, because the gel has a high perfume content, it is acharacteristic of the gel for its perfume components to evaporate overtime. Thus, the perfumed stable gel is typically provided in areplaceable container so that it can be easily replaced when it hasevaporated. The deodorant containers are typically shaped into a uniqueform corresponding to the shape of their respective dispensers. Thisgreatly limits the interchangability of such replacement containers.Thus, it is desired to provide a gel container that can be adapted toand that can be placed into a broad range of dispensers. The dispensersthat are used with the deodorant containers of the present invention mayinclude a means for drawing air across the perfumed stable gel, forexample, in the form of battery operated fan dispenser units. Thedispensers may also be in the form of stand alone units. Typically, thedeodorant containers filled with the perfumed stable gels can be used inconjunction with dispensers manufactured by the following: (1) F-Matic,(2) Impact, (3) Georgia Pacific,. and (4) Technical Concepts. However,the container retaining the perfumed stable gel composition of thepresent invention is not limited to use with the aforementioneddispensers.

It is also a characteristic of air freshening gels to shrink and hardenas the perfume components of the gels evaporate. As the gel shrinks, thesurface area is reduced, and the rate of perfume escape is decreased.Thus, it is desired to provide a deodorant container which limits ordecreases gel shrinkage and hardening.

Finally, when the deodorant container and gel are shipped, they aresubjected to shaking and otherwise generally rough handling. It isdesired to provide a deodorant container which securely supports the gelduring shipping and which is tough and rigid in structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disposable deodorant containerretaining a perfumed stable gel and a method of manufacture of theperfumed stable gel and deodorant container in unitary form. Theperfumed stable gel is comprised of a unique combination of chemicalcomponents and is retained in and dispensable from a disposablecontainer assembly which is adapted for use with various deodorantdispensers.

In a principal embodiment, the deodorant container itself comprises ashell structure, preferably cylindrical in shape and having a peripheralwall, a base and an open top. The base includes a top surface and abottom surface. The base further includes a pair of intersectingdiametrical grooves on the bottom surface and four equi-angularly spacedsupport ribs on the top surface which extend radially inwardly from theperipheral wall. Each of the ribs terminate with a perpendicular endportion closest to the center of the deodorant container. Theintersecting diametrical grooves form corresponding intersectingdiametrical ridges on the top surface of the base, and the ribs extendupwardly from the ridges. The peripheral wall terminates with a radiallyoutwardly extending lip.

The disposable deodorant container retains a perfumed stable gel whichis comprised of a unique combination of chemical components. Theperfumed stable gel can be maintained as a gel when exposed totemperatures of up to 140° F. and has a perfume content of up to 75%.The perfumed stable gel comprises the following components: anonylphenol, a soap, an odorless glycol, perfume, water, a dye, apreservative and an optional filler material. The deodorant containerand improved perfumed stable gel composition are simply and economicallymanufactured in a unitary assembly by pouring the perfumed stable gelchemical composition while in a fluid state into the protective shell ofthe deodorant container and allowing the perfumed gel to set. Thecontainer is then heat-sealed with a foil top covering. The foil topcovering may be removed from the deodorant container when the deodorantcontainer is placed in a dispenser for use in deodorizing a room orarea.

The deodorant containers can be utilized with various dispensers andparticularly with those dispensers installed in restrooms of commercialestablishments. Such dispensers used in conjunction-with the deodorantcontainer of the present invention may include a means for drawing airacross the perfumed stable gel, for example, in the form of batteryoperated fan dispenser units. The dispensers used in conjunction withthe deodorant container of the present invention may also be in the formof stand alone units. Typically, the deodorant containers filled withthe perfumed stable gels can be used in conjunction with dispensersmanufactured by the following: (1) F-Matic, (2) Impact, (3) GeorgiaPacific, and (4) Technical Concepts. However, the container retainingthe perfumed stable gel composition of the present invention is notlimited to use with these dispensers.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a disposable deodorantcontainer adapted for supporting an air freshening deodorant in the formof a perfumed stable gel and adapted for placement in a dispenser.,i.e., a battery operated fan dispenser unit, a stand alone unit, etc.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a disposabledeodorant container which retains an improved perfumed stable gelcomposition that can be maintained as a gel when exposed to temperaturesof up to 140° F. and that has a perfume content of up to a 75%.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a disposabledeodorant container which retains an improved perfumed stable gel whichhas both a long and uniform shelf life, and a long use or block life,while still maintaining an effective perfume content to deodorize overthe life of the product.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a deodorantcontainer having a simple design, compact size, considerable durability,and extensive adaptability to various deodorant dispensers.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a simple,economical process of manufacturing in unitary form a disposabledeodorant container retaining an improved perfumed stable gel.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent as set,forth below and taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to thefollowing FIGURES, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a prior art container used to hold deodorant gels and thelike;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deodorant gel container of thepresent invention used with a typical stand alone dispenser unit;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the deodorant gel container of thepresent invention used with a typical battery operated fan dispenserunit;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the deodorant container of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the deodorant container of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the deodorant container of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the deodorant container of thepresent invention taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 4; and,

FIGS. 8-12 show the test results for the rates of evaporation forvarious perfumed stable gels of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms.The drawings show and the specification describes in detail a preferredembodiment of the invention. It is to be understood that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the invention. It is not intended to limit the broad aspects of theinvention to the illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art container 1 used to hold deodorant gelor the like.

FIG. 2 shows a deodorant container 10 of the present invention adaptedfor supporting an evaporative deodorant gel 12 in the form of a perfumedstable gel and adapted for placement in a typical stand alone dispenserunit 20. The container 10 is formed from a high density polyethylene.The stand alone dispenser unit 20 is typically placed on a table top,shelf or other substantially flat surface and comprises a lid portion 22and a base portion 24. The lid portion 22 is adapted to fit easily andsecurely onto and over the base portion 24. The container 10 is adaptedto fit onto the inner surface 26 of the base portion 24. Once thecontainer 10 is securely placed onto the inner surface 26, the lidportion 22 is placed over the container 10 so as to conceal thecontainer 10 from view. The lid portion 22 has lid vents 28 and the baseportion 24 has base vents 30 so that the deodorant gel 12 can penetratethe air outside of the dispenser 20 while at the same time beingconcealed from view.

FIG. 3 shows the deodorant container 10 of the present invention adaptedfor supporting an evaporative deodorant gel 12 in the form of a perfumedstable gel and adapted for placement in a typical battery operated fandispenser unit 40. The battery operated fan dispenser unit 40 istypically mounted on the wall of a room to be deodorized, i.e., arestroom. The fan dispenser unit 40 comprises a front cover portion 42and a back portion 44. The back portion 44 has an attachment portion 46which may have an adhesive on it for mounting the fan dispenser unit 40to a wall or surface. The cover portion 42 is adapted to fit easily andsecurely against and over the back portion 44. The container 10 isadapted to fit into a holder portion 48 connected to an inner side 50 ofthe back portion 44. Once the container 10 is securely placed into theholder portion 48, the cover portion 42 is placed over the container 10so as to conceal the container 10 from view. The fan dispenser unit 40is typically powered by an energy source, such as a battery. When thefan dispenser unit 40 is turned on, the fan portion 52 located above theholder portion 48 acts to increase the rate at which the deodorant gel12 is released into the air. As the deodorant gel 12 evaporates, thedeodorant scent is released into the air of the room through cover vents54.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the container 10 of the present invention. Thecontainer 10 comprises a generally cylindrical shaped shell 60 having aperipheral wall 62 (FIG. 6) and a base 64. The peripheral wall 62 has aninner side 66 and an outer side 68, and the peripheral wall 62 is about3 cm (centimeters) in height. The base 64 has top surface 70 and abottom surface 72, and the base 64 is about 6 cm in diameter. Theperipheral wall 62 terminates with a radially outwardly extending lip74, which supports the container 10 in a dispenser, i.e., on the holderportion 48 of fan dispenser unit 40 (FIG. 3).

On the top surface 70 of base 64 are a pair of intersecting diametricalridges 76. Four equi-angularly spaced support ribs 78 or fins extendupwardly from the ridges 76 and extend radially inwardly from the innerside 66 of peripheral wall 62. Each of the ribs 78 or fins terminateswith a perpendicular end portion 80 toward the center of the container10, and each of the four ribs 78 is spaced 90 degrees apart. The ribs 78and the end portions 80 terminate about 0.2 cm below the lip 74. Theends of the ribs 78 closest to the inner side 66 of the peripheral wall62 are not connected to the inner side 66 of the peripheral wall 62 butare spaced about 2 cm from the inner side 66 of the peripheral wall 62.Thus, a space 82 is formed between the inner side 66 of peripheral wall62 and one end of rib 78.

Deodorant gels tend to shrink and harden as they evaporate. The ribs 78and respective end portions 80 advantageously operate to reduce the rateof such shrinkage and hardening of the gel because the configuration ofthe ribs 78 and respective end portions 80 allows the perfumed stablegel 12 to spread uniformly throughout the container 10 when it is pouredinto the container and provides a greater surface area for the gel tospread over. A greater surface area allows for a more steady and uniformrate of evaporation of the gel and less collapse of the gel matrix. Incontrast, when there is a reduction in the surface area over which thegel can spread, there is a greater reduction in the rate of fragrancerelease. In addition, when there is a greater surface area for liquidgel to spread over, the liquid gel crystals can solidify over a greaterarea and evenly cool and solidify at a faster rate.

In certain applications, such as on the inside surface of a cover for adiaper hamper, the container 10 is placed upside-down in a typicaldispenser unit and with the air-exposed side of the gel facing downward.In these applications, the ribs 78 and respective end portions 80advantageously operate to keep the deodorant gel 12 from fallingdownwardly out of the container 10.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the container 10 of the present invention.The intersecting diametrical ridges 76 form corresponding intersectingdiametrical grooves 84 on the bottom surface 72 of the base 64. The ribs78 are aligned above the grooves 84. The grooves 84 intersect at 90degree right angles at a circular portion forming a cavity 86. Thegrooves 84 are about 0.7 cm wide. The circular void 86 is about 2 cm indiameter. These dimensions have been found to permit the container 10 tofit into most commercially available dispensers.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the container 10 with its generallycylindrical shell 60 and radially outwardly extending lip 74. The groove84 is formed upwardly from the bottom surface 72 of the base 64 and iscontinuous with the outer side 68 of the peripheral wall 62.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container 10 of the presentinvention taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4. Ribs 78 and respectiveend portions 80 are shaded.

When the deodorant gel 12 is originally packaged in the container 10,the gel 12 is covered with a protective heat-seal, such as foil, toprevent undesired evaporation. The foil may be removed when thecontainer 10 is placed for use in typical dispenser units 20, 40.

In manufacturing the disposable deodorant container 10 of the presentinvention, injection molds are used in forming the containers. The firststep involved in the manufacture of these plastic containers is theheating of the plastic to its melting point. The typical plastics usedto form the containers of this invention include both high and lowdensity polyethylenes. Once the plastic is melted, it is transferredthrough a barrel to be pressed. The plastic is then transferred into aninjection mold to form the container, and once the container is formed,it is released from the mold. There is cool water circulating throughoutthe molds which acts to cool the plastic containers as they are formed.Approximately three to four containers can be made per minute with thisprocess of manufacture. However, the cycle time for container formationvaries depending on the type of plastic used.

The disposable deodorant container retains a perfumed stable gelcomprised of a unique combination of chemical components. The perfumedstable gel can be maintained at temperatures of up to 140° F. and has aperfume content of up to 75%. Previously, it was difficult tomanufacture a product that could be maintained as a stable gel whenexposed to temperatures of up to 140° F. at a level of up to 75%perfume. Obtaining a stable gel with up to 75% perfume has also beendifficult to develop from a solubility perspective as most other gelswill liquefy, even at room temperatures, at levels of 50% perfumecontent. No one, to the inventors' knowledge, has been able to produce astable gel with a melting point above 130° F. and having a perfumecontent of up to 75%.

All percentages of ingredients or phases given herein are weightpercentages of the entire perfumed stable gel composition, unlessotherwise indicated.

A typical perfumed stable gel composition may include water in an amountof from about 2.0% to about 10.0% by weight of the composition.Preferably, the water is at its boiling point when initially mixed withthe odorless glycol, and preferably the water is an amount of about 5.0%by weight of the composition.

The perfumed stable gel composition may also include a soap in an amountof from about 5.0% to about 15.0% by weight of the composition.Preferably, the soap is sodium stearate which has a melting point of158° F., or another soap with an equal or higher melting point.Preferably, the soap is in an amount of about 7.5% by weight of thecomposition in the formulations for the cherry, jasmine, baby powder,and spice deodorant gels. Preferably, the soap is in an amount of about9.0% by weight of the composition in the formulations for the greenapple, lemon, bubble gum, spearmint, and gardenia deodorant gels. Theincreased amount of soap in these latter formulations increases themelting point and aids in solubilizing the perfumes.

The perfumed stable gel composition may also include a non-ionicsurfactant. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant contains a sufficientamount of ethylene oxide to provide a melting point temperature in therange of from about 100° F. to about 150° F. The non-ionic surfactant ispreferably in an amount of from about 2.0% to about 15.0% by weight ofthe composition. Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is in an amount ofabout 3.7% by weight of the composition. The preferred non-ionicsurfactants to use include nonylphenol (Nonoxynol 100, with 100 mols ofethylene oxide in the product or Iconol NP-100) and/or polyethyleneglycol 8000 (BASF's Pluracol line). Other non-ionic surfactants that canbe used include nonylphenols of 80 mols up to 150 mols and/or othernon-ionics similar to BASF's Tetronic and Tetronic R line. However, thislatter group of non-ionic surfactants is currently more expensive to usethan the former group.

The perfumed stable gel composition may also include a preservative inan amount of from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight of the composition.Preferably, the preservative used is Glydant (chemically known as DMDMHydantoin (55% solution)(C₇ H₁₂ N₂ O₄)--Chemical Abstract No. is6440--58--0). Preferably, the preservative is in an amount of about0.25% by weight of the composition.

The perfumed stable gel composition may also include a perfume in anamount of from about 50.0% to about 87.0% by weight of the composition.The preferred amount of perfume is about 75.0% by weight of thecomposition. The perfume agent enhances the odor characteristics of theproduct. Specific examples of suitable perfume agents include lemon,bubble gum, cherry, spearmint, green apple, baby powder, gardenia,jasmine, herbal, spice, and others. The primary scents used are obtainedfrom the fruity and floral scent groups. However, it is possible toproduce any number of different scents depending on the type of scentdesired.

The perfumed stable gel composition may also include an odorless glycol.The amount of odorless glycol employed in the chemical compositionshould be sufficient to aid in solubilizing the perfume component.Preferably, the amount of odorless glycol used is in an amount of fromabout 0% to about 12.0% by weight of the composition. The preferredamount to use is about 8.8% by weight of the composition. The preferredodorless glycols include propylene glycol and hexylene glycol. However,the improved perfumed stable gel composition may also be made withoutthe odorless glycol.

The perfumed stable gel composition may also include a color dye whichacts to enhance the physical appearance of the product and color codethe product. Generic dyes which are heat stable are preferred.

The perfumed stable gel composition may also include inert or fillermaterials. These inert materials may be selected from the groupincluding diatemaceous earth, clay, dirt, and sand. The addition ofthese inert materials to the composition is optional. However, the inertmaterials help to control the evaporation rate of the perfume component.

One may also include in some of the perfumes of the perfumed stable gelcomposition, ethanol or odorless mineral spirits. The ethanol andodorless mineral spirits aid in solubilizing some of the perfumes and/orin lowering the costs of manufacturing some of the more expensiveperfumes (i.e., green apple) without affecting the performance of thegels. The mineral spirits may be comprised of alipbatic hydrocarbons.

The manufacture of the perfumed stable gel involves the mixing of: (1)an oil phase and (2) a water phase. The oil phase includes the non-ionicsurfactant and the desired perfume. First, the non-ionic surfactant isheated to a temperature in the range of from about 120° F. to about 150°F. It is heated in a 55 gallon jacketed stainless steel mixing vessel.Heating bands surrounding the mixing vessel act to heat and liquefy thenon-ionic surfactant. The non-ionic surfactant is heated in this mannerfor about 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the batch and theheating temperatures used.

After the non-ionic surfactant has been sufficiently heated andliquefied, it is transferred to a smaller open-top 55 gallon jacketedstainless steel mixing vessel. This mixing vessel also has heating bandssurrounding it which act to heat the non-ionic surfactant and theperfume, which is added at this step in a pre-measured amount. The twocomponents are thoroughly mixed in the mixing vessel with an electricmixer that has an attached agitator working at approximately 750 rpm.The perfume is mixed with the non-ionic surfactant for approximately 10minutes at a temperature in the range of about 120° F. to about 150° F.

The second phase involved in forming the perfumed stable gel is thewater phase. To manufacture the water phase, a pre-measured amount ofthe odorless glycol is added to boiling hot water. The glycol and waterare mixed together in an open-top 55 gallon jacketed stainless steelmixing vessel. The two components are thoroughly mixed in the mixingvessel with an electric mixer that has an attached agitator working atapproximately 750 rpm. The odorless glycol is mixed into the hot waterfor approximately 5 minutes at a temperature of about 158° F. Next, thesoap is added in a pre-measured amount to the glycol/water mixture. Thesoap is thoroughly mixed into the glycol/water mixture in the mixingvessel until the soap is dissolved and there are no clumps remaining.The soap is mixed with the odorless glycol and water for approximately15 minutes to 30 minutes at a temperature of about 158° F.

Next, the mixture of the water, the odorless glycol, and soap, i.e., thewater phase, is added to the non-ionic surfactant and perfume, i.e., theoil phase. All of these components are thoroughly blended at atemperature of over 140° F. in the mixing vessel with an electric mixerthat has an attached agitator working at approximately 750 rpm Thepreservative is added at this stage of the mixing. The dye can be addedto the mixture at this stage or it can be added previously in the waterphase mixture. All of these components are then thoroughly mixed forapproximately 15 minutes.

Finally, an optional filler material can be added to the mixture byspooning with a ladle, a desired amount of the filler material into themixture. The mixture is stirred thoroughly until the desired consistencyis reached.

Once it is determined that the composition is thoroughly blended andwhile it is still in the molten state, the composition is spooned with aladle out of the mixing vessel and into the individual deodorantcontainers.

Lastly, the containers holding the composition are cooled by placing thedispensers on a conveyor belt and blowing cold air upon thosedispensers. The cold air is passed through a tunnel fed by an airconditioning unit. During the containers' 3 to 5 minutes in the tunnel,the gel composition solidifies in the dispenser assembly, thus securingthe completed perfumed stable gel in the disposable deodorant container.The amount of composition prepared at one time is limited to the amountthat is to be filled in the dispensers on a particular day. Typically,this amount can vary between 200 pounds to 400 pounds per day.

She following Example 1 illustrates the preparation of a preferredperfumed stable gel composition. Test results for the rates ofevaporation of various perfumed stable gels are shown in FIGS. 8-12 andthe corresponding recorded weights of the various gels during theevaporation period are shown in Tables 1-5. Also, formulations forvarious perfumed stable gel compositions are shown in Table 6.

EXAMPLE I

A preferred perfumed stable gel of the present invention was prepared asdescribed below, having a cherry perfume and having the compositionshown below.

    ______________________________________                                                      PERCENT BY WEIGHT                                               COMPONENT     OF COMPOSITION                                                  ______________________________________                                        Water         5.00%                                                           Propylene Glycol                                                                            8.75%                                                           Sodium Stearate                                                                             7.50%                                                           Perfume       74.75%                                                          ICONOL NP 100 3.75%                                                           Glydant       0.25%                                                           Dye           Trace                                                           Inert Ingredients                                                                           Optional                                                        ______________________________________                                    

The amount of composition prepared at one time is limited to the amountthat is to be filled in the deodorant containers on a particular day. Inthe manufacture of the perfumed stable gel retained in the disposabledispenser, there are two distinct phases involved: (1) the oil phase and(2) the water phase.

The oil phase involves mixing the non-ionic surfactant with the desiredperfume. First, the Iconol NP 100 is heated to a temperature in therange of from about 120° F. to about 150° F. The Iconol is heated in a55 gallon jacketed stainless steel mixing vessel with surroundingheating bands that act to heat and liquefy the Iconol. The Iconol isheated in this manner for about 24 to about 48 hours, depending on thesize of the batch and the heating temperatures used.

After the Iconol has been sufficiently heated and liquefied, it istransferred to an open-top 55 gallon jacketed stainless steel mixingvessel. This mixing vessel also has heating bands surrounding it whichact to heat the non-ionic surfactant and the perfume, which is added atthis step in a pre-measured amount. The two components are thoroughlymixed in the mixing vessel with an electric mixer having an attachedagitator working at approximately 750 rpm. The perfume is mixed with theIconol for approximately 10 minutes at a temperature in the range ofabout 120° F. to about 150° F.

The second phase in the formation of the perfumed stable gel is thewater phase. In this phase a pre-measured amount of the propylene glycolis added to boiling hot water and mixed together in an open-top 55gallon jacketed stainless steel mixing vessel. The propylene glycol andwater are thoroughly mixed in the mixing vessel with an electric mixerthat has an attached agitator working at approximately 750 rpm. Thepropylene glycol is mixed with the hot water for approximately 5 minutesat a temperature of about 158° F. Next, the sodium stearate soap isadded in a pre-measured amount to the propylene glycol/water mixture.The sodium stearate is thoroughly mixed with the propylene glycol andwater in the mixing vessel until the sodium stearate is dissolved andthere are no clumps. The sodium stearate is mixed with the propyleneglycol and water for approximately 15 to 30 minutes at a temperature ofabout 158° F.

Next, the mixture of water, propylene glycol, and sodium stearate, i.e.,the water phase, is added to the mixture of Iconol and perfume, i.e.,the oil phase. The components from the oil phase and the water phase arethoroughly blended at a temperature of over 140° F. in the mixing vesselwith an electric mixer that has an attached agitator working atapproximately 750 rpm. The preservative is added at this stage ofmixing. The dye can be added to the mixture at this stage or it may havebeen previously added to the water phase mixture. These components arethen thoroughly mixed for approximately 15 minutes.

Finally, the optional filler material can be added to the mixture. Thisis done by spooning with a ladle, a desired amount of the fillermaterial into the mixture. The mixture is then thoroughly stirred untilthe desired consistency is reached.

When the composition has been thoroughly blended, and while still in themolten state, the composition is spooned with a ladle out of the mixingvessel and into the individual deodorant containers.

Lastly, the containers holding the composition are cooled by placing thedispensers on a conveyor belt and blowing cold air upon thosedispensers. The cold air is passed through a tunnel fed by an airconditioning unit. The containers are placed on a conveyor belt andcooled in the tunnel for about 3 to 5 minutes, and the gel compositionsolidifies in the dispenser assembly, thus securing the completedperfumed stable gel in the disposable deodorant container. The amount ofcomposition prepared at one time is limited to the amount that is to befilled in the dispensers on a particular day. Typically, this amount canvary between 200 pounds to 400 pounds per day.

Tests were also conducted to determine the evaporation rates of variousperfumed stable gels. The test results recording the rates ofevaporation for various perfumed stable gels are shown in theaccompanying FIGS. 8-12 (FIG. 8-Spearmint, FIG. 9-Jasmine, FIG.10-Gardenia, FIG. 11-Cherry, FIG. 12-Bubble Gum). Corresponding withFIGS. 8-12 are Tables 1-5 which show the recorded weights of the variousgels during the evaporation period. In conducting these tests, althoughsamples of the perfumed stable gels were made in the lab in smalleramounts than usual and the components were mixed together in smallermixing vessels and heated on hot plates, the other procedures used inmaking the gels were the same as those described above. After the gelswere made, they were weighed, less the weight of the plastic deodorantcontainers. The gels were then placed in the plastic deodorantcontainers, and the containers were placed in battery operated fan unitslocated in various offices, bathrooms and closets around the productionbuilding. All of the rooms were maintained at room temperaturethroughout the experiment. The fans were turned on at the start of theexperiment and operated continuously for 24 hours per day throughout thetesting period. In every day operation and normal use, fans wouldprobably not be operated for a continuous 24 hour period and differenttypes of battery operated fan units could be used with the deodorantgels. For example, sophisticated battery units are available that eitherhave an infrared motion detector or a light sensitive eye that turns themachines on and off. These types of units cause the fan to operate foronly a portion of the time as opposed to the continuous operation in theexperiments conducted herein.

The weights of the gels were then recorded at various intervals asindicated by the black dots on the graphs. The average gel systemevaporated at a rate sufficient to allow the product to last up to 45days when used with a battery operated fan unit which was continuouslyrunning. Thus, the gels are capable of lasting for even a longer periodof time with less exposure under a fan.

In addition, the formulations for various perfumed stable gelcompositions that were prepared are shown in Table 6.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms by one of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom its spirit or central characteristics. The present example andembodiment is thus to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive,and the invention is not intended to be limited to the details of thelisted embodiments. Rather, the invention is defined by the claims, andas broadly as the prior art will permit.

    ______________________________________                                        UNIGEL PLUS SPEARMINT                                                         NUMBER        NET WEIGHT                                                      OF DAYS       (GRAMS)                                                         ______________________________________                                         0            48.3                                                             1            44.6                                                             4            38.35                                                            9            31.9                                                            16            25.4                                                            22            21.7                                                            25            20.4                                                            32            18.1                                                            39            16.2                                                            45            15.1                                                            ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        UNIGEL PLUS JASMINE                                                           NUMBER        NET WEIGHT                                                      OF DAYS       (GRAMS)                                                         ______________________________________                                         0            51.75                                                            1            49.25                                                            2            47.3                                                             5            42.15                                                            7            39.65                                                           12            33.2                                                            16            29.4                                                            23            21.25                                                           27            18.7                                                            30            17.2                                                            35            15.7                                                            42            14.8                                                            48            14.5                                                            ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        UNIGEL PLUS GARDENIA                                                          NUMBER        NET WEIGHT                                                      OF DAYS       (GRAMS)                                                         ______________________________________                                         0            51.8                                                             2            45.9                                                             6            39.9                                                            11            33.6                                                            13            32                                                              18            28.9                                                            25            25.5                                                            31            24                                                              34            23.3                                                            41            22.2                                                            48            21.2                                                            ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        UNIGEL PLUS CHERRY                                                            NUMBER        NET WEIGHT                                                      OF DAYS       (GRAMS)                                                         ______________________________________                                         0            54.15                                                            2            44.6                                                             6            29.6                                                            11            21.1                                                            13            16.85                                                           13            16.85                                                           13            16.85                                                           18            14                                                              25            12.8                                                            25            12.8                                                            31            12.5                                                            41            11.7                                                            48            11.3                                                            ______________________________________                                    

    ______________________________________                                        UNIGEL BUBBLE GUM                                                             NUMBER        NET WEIGHT                                                      OF DAYS       (GRAMS)                                                         ______________________________________                                         0            52.75                                                            1            43.35                                                            2            37.9                                                             5            28.2                                                             7            24.2                                                            12            19.2                                                            16            16.6                                                            23            13                                                              27            12.35                                                           30            11.9                                                            35            11.15                                                           42            10.8                                                            48            10.3                                                            ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE 6                                     __________________________________________________________________________                GREEN                 BUBBLE                                                                              SPEAR-                                                                             BABY                                         APPLE                                                                              CHERRY                                                                              LEMON                                                                              JASMINE                                                                             GUM   MINT POWDER                                                                              SPICE                                                                              GARDENIA              __________________________________________________________________________    WATER       5.00 5.00  5.00 5.00  5.00  5.00 5.00  5.00 5.00                  PROPYLENE   8.75 8.75  8.75 8.75  8.75  8.75 8.75  8.75 8.75                  GLYCOL                                                                        SODIUM STEARATE                                                                           9.00 7.50  9.00 7.50  9.00  9.00 7.50  7.50 9.00                  PERFUME     73.25                                                                              74.75 73.25                                                                              74.75 73.25 73.25                                                                              74.75 74.75                                                                              73.25                 GLYDANT*    0.25 0.25  0.25 0.25  0.25  0.25 0.25  0.25 0.25                  ICONOL NP-100                                                                             3.75 3.75  3.75 3.75  3.75  3.75 3.75  3.75 3.75                  DYE         TRACE                                                                              TRACE TRACE                                                                              TRACE TRACE TRACE                                                                              TRACE TRACE                                                                              TRACE                 TOTAL PERCENT                                                                             100.00                                                                             100.00                                                                              100.00                                                                             100.00                                                                              100.00                                                                              100.00                                                                             100.00                                                                              100.00                                                                             100.00                __________________________________________________________________________     *GLYDANT IS THE PRESERVATIVE. CHEMICALLY IT IS DMDM HYDANTOIN (55%            SOLUTION) [C7H12N2O4                                                     

What is claimed is:
 1. A container adapted for supporting a deodorant inthe form of an improved perfumed stable gel and for placement in adispenser, the container comprising:a shell having a peripheral wall anda base, wherein said base has a top surface and a bottom surface, andfurther wherein said base includes a pair of intersecting groovespositioned along intersecting diameters of said bottom surface, saidintersecting grooves forming a pair of corresponding intersectingridges, said ridges extending upwardly from said top surface of saidbase; and at least one support rib extending upwardly from one of saidridges, said support rib terminating with a perpendicular end portiontoward the center of said container, and said support rib extendingradially inwardly from said peripheral wall.
 2. The container of claim 1further comprising a plurality of support ribs, wherein each of saidribs extends radially inwardly from said peripheral wall.
 3. Thecontainer of claim 2 wherein said ribs are spaced an equal distance fromeach adjacent said rib and said ribs are spaced from an inner side ofsaid peripheral wall.
 4. The container of claim 2 comprising four ofsaid ribs wherein each of said ribs is spaced 90 degrees from adjacentsaid ribs.
 5. The container of claim 4 wherein said ribs are alignedwith said grooves.
 6. The container of claim 1 wherein said groovesintersect at a right angle.
 7. The container of claim 1 comprising fourof said ribs spaced at 90 degrees, wherein each of said ribs extendupwardly from said ridges.
 8. The container of claim 1 wherein saidperipheral wall terminates with a radially outwardly extending lip, saidlip adapted to support said container in said dispenser.
 9. Thecontainer of claim 1 further comprising a circular portion forming acavity at said intersection of said grooves.
 10. The container of claim1 wherein said shell is generally cylindrical.
 11. The container ofclaim 1 wherein said improved perfumed stable gel composition compriseswater, a soap, a non-ionic surfactant, and, a perfume in an amount offrom about 50% to about 87% of said composition, said gel compositioncapable of being maintained as a stable gel at a temperature of at least140 degrees F.
 12. The improved perfumed stable gel composition of claim11 further comprising an odorless glycol.
 13. The improved perfumedstable gel composition of claim 12 wherein said odorless glycol ispropylene glycol.
 14. The improved perfumed stable gel composition ofclaim 13 wherein said odorless glycol is in an amount of from about 0%to about 12.0% by weight of said composition.
 15. The improved perfumedstable gel composition of claim 11 further comprising a preservative.16. The improved perfumed stable gel composition of claim 15 whereinsaid preservative is in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 0.3% byweight of said composition.
 17. The improved perfumed stable gelcomposition of claim 11 further comprising a dye.
 18. The improvedperfumed stable gel composition of claim 11 further comprising an inertmaterial.
 19. The improved perfumed stable gel composition of claim 18wherein said inert material is selected from the group consistingessentially of diatemaceous earth, clay, dirt and sand.
 20. The improvedperfumed stable gel composition of claim 11 wherein said water is in anamount of from about 2.0% to about 10% by weight of said composition.21. The improved perfumed stable gel composition of claim 11 whereinsaid soap is sodium stearate.
 22. The improved perfumed gel compositionof claim 11 wherein said soap is in an amount of from about 5.0% toabout 15.0% by weight of said composition.
 23. The improved perfumedstable gel composition of claim 11 wherein said non-ion surfactant isselected from the group consisting essentially of nonylphenol andnonoxynol.
 24. The improved perfumed stable gel composition of claim 11wherein said non-ionic surfactant is in an amount of from about 2.0% toabout 15.0% by weight of said composition.
 25. The improved perfumedstable gel composition of claim 11 wherein said perfume is selected fromthe group consisting essentially of lemon, bubble gum, cherry,spearmint, jasmine, green apple, baby powder, spice and gardenia. 26.The improved perfumed stable gel composition of claim 11 wherein saidperfume is in an amount of about 75%.
 27. A container adapted forsupporting a deodorant in the form of a gel and for placement in adispenser, the container comprising:a cylindrical shell having aperipheral wall and a base, wherein said base has a top surface and abottom surface, and further wherein said base includes a pair ofintersecting grooves positioned along intersecting diameters of saidbottom surface; and a plurality of equi-angularly spaced support ribs onsaid top surface and extending radially inwardly from said peripheralwall, wherein each of said ribs terminates with a respectiveperpendicular end portion.
 28. A system for deodorizing a restroom, orthe like, the deodorizing system comprising:a dispenser; a containerremovably disposed within said dispenser and containing an evaporativedeodorant gel, the container comprising a cylindrical shell having aperipheral wall and a base, wherein said base has a top surface and abottom surface, and further wherein said base includes a pair ofintersecting grooves positioned along intersecting diameters of saidbottom surface, said intersecting grooves forming a pair ofcorresponding intersecting ridges, said ridges extending upwardly fromsaid top surface of said base, and a plurality of equi-angularly spacedsupport ribs extending upwardly from said ridges and extending radiallyinwardly from said peripheral wall, wherein each of said ribs terminateswith a respective perpendicular end portion.
 29. The system of claim 28further comprising means for drawing air across said gel.
 30. Thecontainer of claim 28 wherein said grooves intersect at a right angle.31. The container of claim 28 comprising four of said ribs spaced at 90degrees, wherein each of said ribs extends upwardly from said ridges.32. The container of claim 28 wherein said peripheral wall terminateswith a radially outwardly extending lip, said lip adapted to supportsaid container in said dispenser.
 33. The container of claim 28 furthercomprising a circular portion forming a cavity at said intersection ofsaid grooves.